I walked back inside for a minute. They waited in the car. Whining. I heard them through the laundry room door, but I needed to breathe. *breathe* And I started my own whining to Him. “Lord. God. Please. I can’t take the whining.”
Then as if the tides turned, words that I’ve spoken to them over and over again washed over me, “Whining shows that your heart isn’t trusting. Whining reveals that in this moment you don’t think I’m loving you and working things for your good.”
I peered into the mirror of my words, reflecting on my own heart.
When I whine I reveal my own lack of trust. I expose my disbelief — my doubt — that He is indeed working this thing, this moment, this trial, this frustration for my good and His glory.
With that I crumble into His daddy arms, thankful that He remembers I’m but dust. Thankful that He lets me whine. Yet thankful that He doesn’t leave me there in my groveling discontent.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Some days it’s way more than whiny kids. But He always reminds of His faithfulness and steadfast love. He speaks of His empowerment that enables me to be an overcomer. If I am brave enough and wild enough to trust, regardless of the momentary chaos and in spite of what these physical eyes may see, He then lifts me out of the mire.
Truly humbling.
Fill me, Lord…
How have your own words to another come back to humble you?
Always, always, my words come back to teach me. I love what you say to your kids about not trusting. I have one whiner, he’s my sensitive one, and quite dramatic. I need to be gentle and lead by example. Thanks for this ever-so-timely reminder! Love how the Lord does that through friends and their words! xoxo
Yes, lead by example. And I ditto the comment, “Love how the Lord does that through friends and their words!” xo
Needed this today. I am feeling whiney. Love the reasons for not whining you gave. Will be repeating them! (not just to my daughter but to myself as well) God often brings back to me the words that I tell my daughter “You decide how you are going to think about something. You can decide to have a bad additude and ruin your day or decide to have a good one and enjoy your day. It’s up to you!” I will need someone to verbally say that to me today.
I know those days well. Keep preaching the truth to yourself. Emotions eventually follow. {hugs}
Just what I need to hear this morning! Thank you!
Hi sweet Debby. Blessings to you today. 🙂
Really struggling today and yesterday evening over finances. Thank you for opening my morning with this word…with His Word, the Word. Thank you for your daily sacrifice and allowing our loving Lord to use you for his glory…
much love, much much love
What kind encouragement, Jolene. Praying for you and your man to have His wisdom fall down. He is always faithful to guide as we seek. Love to you.
so very true. thanks for sharing.
awesome. powerful. thank you.
Well said.
i want to be brave enough… wild enough.
Thanks, I needed that. Never thought of whining as a lack of trust. As I read your post the Lord brought to mind an issue I’ve been dealing with for years which came to a head again this week. That He could use even this issue for His glory is amazing. Now I don’t have to stress about it. He will handle it (as I do my part). Relief:)))
He will definitely faithfully handle it. We just have to wrestle against those emotions that inevitably surface. Praying He keeps bringing truth to your mind, sister-friend.
Have recently discovered your blog (can’t even remember how!) and have found a place to slow down, breathe, and remember what’s truly important.
Realizing that my kids learn their whining from their mom, as my heart often begins complaining and doubting my Father’s goodness and care for me. Thank you for this reminder.
Blessings!
Melody
Thank you. I am not the mothervthat I want to be. Needed this little boost today.